Kingston Philosophy Café

...or "Ecology movements: altruism, selfishness or simple conceit?" A range of ecology movements - from light to deep green - seek to save species from extinction, have regard for future human generations and protect planet Earth. Yet what values are really in play here? Individual tigers, whales and polar bears can suffer; but can a species suffer? Looking after the interests of existing people makes sense, but does looking after the interests of people five generations down the line?  Can a planet be respected?  Maybe some self-deception, some selfishness or simple conceit is involved.  

"Britain’s wittiest philosopher” (according to Raymond Tallis), who uses philosophical puzzles, tall stories, jokes, common sense, and bizarre insights to tackle some of life’s most important questions, brings his own quirky perspective on the environmental movement to Kingston Philosophy Cafe, as part of Paint the Town Green month.

Peter Cave is a lecturer in philosophy at The Open University and City University, London. He frequently contributes to philosophy magazines and journals, from the serious to the fun, lectures around the world and has scripted and presented philosophy programmes for the BBC. His books include Do Llamas Fall in Love?, Can a Robot Be Human?, What’s Wrong with Eating People? and Humanism: A Beginner’s Guide, all published by Oneworld.

Bridges Café is at the back of Milletts store – but only its riverside door, set back between two pubs, the Bishop out of Residence and the Gazebo, is open from 5.30pm just for Kingston Philosophy Café. Come along early to get a drink and/or something to eat before discussion begins promptly at 6.00pm - and carry on talking afterwards at a nearby pub.